Being a female sports fan

Why do guys seem to think females watch sports for attention or to “fit in?”

I don't know about you, but I would not watch my beloved team lose game 7 of the Western Conference Final just to impress a guy. I would not watch them miss playoffs by a single win just to fit in. I would not put my self through the heartbreak of a shootout loss just to stroke your ego. I could not stand watching them slip down in points to the point of never having a chance at playoffs just for the off chance you might be decent in bed.

Guys need to understand that sports were not created just for them.

Why men think they're the only person in this world who can sit on the internet all day and tweet about whatever game you're watching is beyond me. But oh no, god forbid a knowledgeable female sportsfan tweet about it. Obviously “they sound stupid and know nothing.” The only reason a woman would make any sort of post about a sport is to try to garner attention for our fake sports knowledge. Hate to break it to you guys, but we don't watch sports to impress you. We have much better things to do. Like watching sports. Because we love them. And not giving a fuck about what you think about it!

How dare you think I only watch things and find an interest in anything just for you? Do you really think I keep up with the Corsi and the Art Ross for your benefit? Does hockey honestly mean so little to you that it is nothing more than an easy way to get laid? Do you really think I keep tabs on these children in the AHL for your benefit? Would I keep a constant watch on teams I loathe and hope they win just for the slim chance my team could finally make playoffs just to impress you? Isn't it possible I follow offseason trades and free agency for my own enjoyment (also read, heartbreak)?

Are you planning on staying up and keeping tabs with the newest upcoming trends when New York Fashion Week rolls around? Do you plan on going through the latest Spring lines for Marc Jacobs and Jimmy Choo with me to make sure we're still classy and stylish? Does being with me mean that you're going to take up a keen interest in Ansel Adams? Have you suddenly developed a sudden desire to travel through time and space in THE blue box? Are we going to have heartfelt debates about the injustice towards Slytherins?

No? So what makes you think I'll rearrange my interests to cater to you? If I, the girl that honestly thought someone had scored a touchdown at a baseball game, am interested in a sport, could it possibly be because I'm actually interested in a sport? Maybe, just possibly, I actually do know just as much, or possibly, the horror, maybe more than you.

The number of times when I’ve surprised guys with my knowledge of sports is insane. Whether it’s hockey or soccer I’m perfectly capable of holding a conversation about my teams. I'm more than willing to even rip someone a new one when they dis my sport.

These men are always shocked that I, a girl, am so into hockey and actually knowledgeable about it. These men are just dumbfounded that I have no interest in them, Who knew,

And god save any person, woman or man, that feels they can insult my Stars.

Fall in love with sports

Go fall in love with sports. Any sport. Pick a sport, pick a city, pick a team. Now fall into a deep, passionate, intense, enriching love with it and never let go. Everyone should know what it feels like to be dedicated to something so grand and special in which they have no control. As fans, we have zero say in what happens. We don’t determine the next play, we don’t get to decide that the next pitch should be a fast ball, we don’t construct who is on what line together in order to ensure that the perfect players are on the ice for the game winning goal. All these facts, these extremely key components to any team and sport is beyond us. All we can do is sit on our couches, or buy tickets to sit in an arena seat and pray the game goes our way that day.

There is something so romantic and rewarding about being so invested in a team. It’s a community, it’s a family. There is instant camaraderie among fellow fans. The quickest way I’ve made friends with people is by liking the same sports team as them. You both have this unifying common knowledge, as well as an understanding of the other’s love for the game. It is instantaneous and not needing of words. An important friend has just been made because you can relate to the faithful love that is necessary to be committed to a sports team like that. I've even met some amazing people simply because we like the same sport, but opposing teams.

Jimmy Fallon said it best in his movie “Fever Pitch.” It’s a love story of a man, and a woman, and the Red Sox. He has an undying, overriding passion for the Red Sox, which I completely understand. But it’s in a time when not only had the Red Sox managed to screw up every chance they got to be the best, but his obsession was scaring away all interested women. He meets a smart, beautiful woman and as they get to know each other, he beings to reveal just how strong and committed his obsession is. In a conversation about loving the Red Sox, he says, “I like being part of something that’s bigger than me-than I. It’s good for your soul to invest in something that you can’t control.” And I couldn’t agree more. Even when all circumstances around him, mainly his girlfriend and fellow game goers who felt as if the season is going down the toilet, he triumphantly defends them. “…the Red Sox never let you down…That’s right. I mean – why? Because they haven’t won a World Series in a century or so? So what? They’re here. Every April, they’re here. At 1:05 or at 7:05, there is a game. And if it gets rained out, guess what? They make it up to you. Does anyone else in your life do that? The Red Sox don’t get divorced. This is a real family. This is the family that’s here for you.” I have felt the same way. Even in being awful and having a losing season, where all hope is lost, they are still there. They will always come back in the fall. There will always be another game, another season to look forward to. Even in letting you down, they will never can truly let you down.

Sports bring people together. You all gather around a TV or the computer or in the outfield bleacher seats and you create this unique experience. You’re having a moment with each other, with fellow fans, and with the team. There will be other games with other teams, but this one is yours and that’s so special. Sports move people. There is a palpable anxiety and excitement in the air during a close game, and an uproar of joy when the game winning goal or run or point has been scored. You feel moved to jump and clap and sing and practically kiss the people next to you because you feel as if together you have conquered something, even though you haven’t. When the unfortunate event of a lose occurs, you have each other for support to get through it.

I was raised to be a sports fanatic. My mother grew up in Brazil and was indoctrinated with their love of soccer early in life. A passion that was passed on to me as a child. One of my closest friends would marry Tom Brady if she could, despite that she doesn't even like guys. Every birthday and Christmas since I found the NHL, I’ve asked for Stars tickets. Part of my identity is being a sports lover. My friends know what’s going on when they hear my screams of elation and desperation. I wear my Dallas Stars pride on my sleeve. Coworkers know who to come to with any hockey or Stars related question. So many people think that I’m over the top, and too invested in something that does seem to matter. But it truly matters to me.

Everyone should have that. Everyone should feel the undying, deeply rooted love that comes from putting your whole self into a sport and a team and a community. It is magical, inspiring and moving to sit anonymously in a crowd and know that thousands, even millions share the same love you do. 

O Captain! My Captain!

I've known that the Stars have been shopping our captain, Brenden Morrow, for several months. I knew that there was no intention to resign him if he did manage to stick with the team through the end of the season. I knew this was going to happen.

That doesn't mean I'm any happier about the fact that he's now gone.

I know that Morrow really hasn't been his best. Any time your captain is demoted to fourth line, you know that its only a matter of time. He's been with the team for what seems like forever. He's been a staple of the team. He's one of the last Stars that I avidly cheered for when I saw my first Stars game six (seven?) years ago. Ott's gone, Ribiero's gone, Modano is gone, Turco is gone... The players that I loved watching are all leaving. Even though they were only here for a single season, it still sucked to hear that both Souray and Burish were traded. If I hear anything about rumors for either Loui or Jamie getting traded I'm just going to give up on actually liking individual players.

And I'm really going to miss our captain.

I may not remember the Morrow's entire career here in Dallas, but I do know that Morrow has been great for Dallas. Even though the past several years he's been plagued with injuries (what do you expect when you're starting to creep closer to 40 and you play a physically demanding sport), I think he's had a great presence. He's given everything to this team. And to this city. He's fought well, he's played well, he's given everything he had and then some for this team.

As much as I'm sad to see him go, I think we all know that it is time. Fans can't help but criticize him ruthlessly whenever he makes a mistake. We've all been disappointed that our captain has been playing on the fourth line. And, though I've never had the chance to ask him personally, I'm sure the negativity from fans that he's given everything to isn't easy to take. I know I've made my fair share of comments on the lack of points from our captain, but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate everything he's done. I'm sure the constant comments that he's past his prime can get tough to hear.

And even though I knew he wasn't going to stay in Dallas, its still sad to hear that he's leaving.

And what makes this entire situation worse is that he's going to a team that I absolutely hate: the Penguins.

But I do wish all the best for Brenden. As much as I would hate to see the Penguins win the Cup, I wouldn't hate the fact as much if he were on the team.

I won't say good luck to him, but I will wish all the best and thank him for everything he has done for this team.

I am beyond fed up with the NHL and the NHLPA

The NHL is facing its second lockout in ten years. This is going to be absolutely detrimental for the sport. Yes, people will still like hockey, but this is really going to destroy the momentum that has been built up. What frustrates me more than the fact that there is going to be a lockout (anyone who says otherwise is delusional) is the reaction of the owners, the players, and the fans in this situation.

I understand that owners want to retain the majority of their profits. Why should players be able to get 57% of profits? This number is astronomical! When you see some of the deals that were made when players were traded (10-year deals to Minnesota, anyone?) you can see that there needs to be a stop to this. What company allows their employees to have more than 50% of the companies profits? This is just greed from the players. I understand that the players are the ones out there on the ice game after game, but the owners are the ones that fund the teams, create publicity, make players the face of a team. The owners are the ones that put in all the work behind the scenes. There needs to be serious concessions from the players.

Another thing that is really bothering me about the negotiations is the fact that owners cannot, by law, talk about what is happening. But you know who isn't? Players. And oh are they ever so vocal right now. Some players have even made statements that they don't think owners are as well informed. No, maybe you've taken a few too many hits... They aren't allowed to talk about what is happening so the public doesn't get each person's opinion. The fact that players are now extremely vocal about everything means that fans everywhere are losing sight of the fact that this could have all been avoided months ago when the realignment and new CBA was proposed months ago (before playoffs even started). The NHLPA shut it down and it is due to them that we're looking at another lockout.

And, really, fans? How you be so blind? Just because you love the sport doesn't mean you need to back the players 100% or the owners 100%. Both sides are being ridiculous and need to really sit down and come up with a deal. Maybe its time for a lock-in, lock-in everyone in a room and don't let anyone out for any reason until they come to a compromise. And for the love of all that is hockey stop calling for boycotts. This is just insane. If there is a lockout, yes, I'll be pissed because everyone involved is too big-headed and greedy to back down a little but I'm not going to stop watching hockey. I've made a promise to myself I wont be buying hockey tickets for the next year, but that is my own personal protest (and I just bought a house so that cuts into my hockey budget). I'm still going to watch as many games as I can. If I'm given tickets I'll gladly go, but I'm not buying tickets. If you love hockey, a lockout isn't going to get you to stop watching it. It might make you reevaluate how much money you're willing to give them for a while.

Lastly, I really wish sports in general would think about other people involved. Last year when the NBA was locked out, I know that there were several bars right by the AAC that really struggled due to the loss of revenue from people going down for the games. Sports teams everywhere need to take into account that a lockout and a strike is going to affect the people that work in restaurants and bars surrounding the stadium, the people that work in the stadium, the cops that work those events, the list goes on! When I think about the fact that franchises are willing to jeopardize these people's lives just to save themselves a few million dollars, that probably pisses me off more than anything. Not everyone affected by lockouts is a millionaire. There are more everyday people affected than there are millionaires.

I want fans and players and owners to realize that the approach they're taking now is obviously not working and it is leading everyone to be furious over the situation. They're screwing over each other and themselves. No one wins in a lockout and the fans and employees in the arena and surrounding bars are the ones that really suffer.

Day 18: Whatever tickles your fancy

Austin and I are huge hockey fans. Its one of the few sports we can actually watch together since I only follow soccer (real football...) and hockey and he's into football, baseball, basketball, hockey, golf... Really anything. Unless the World Cup is on, he doesn't care to watch the games. We rarely get the Real Madrid or Manchester United or Brasil national team games, and when we do it is usually on one of our numerous Spanish channels. Austin apparently is of the mind that unless he can understand what the announcers are saying, why watch. So for us to be able to sit down and watch a sporting event is a pretty big deal.

.

This is one of the reasons I'm a Real Madrid fan, he's also a pretty spectacular player on the Brasil team

Luckily, we have hockey.

We both enjoy watching the games at home, but we prefer watching them live. There is nothing that can compare to watching the game for 20,000 other fans (even if they are rooting for the wrong team). And before this year, we had not been able to go to one together. Neither of us are fans of sitting in the top row at the American Airlines Center and watching the game on the screen. If we were going to watch the game on a screen, we would watch it at home. In HD. And be warmer.

This year, I got a hook-up at work. Since we have a concierge that offers discounted tickets to tenants in the building, he has offered me tickets to any games I'd like for free (or close to it). We've already been able to go to four games this season with at least three more on our calendar. I'm thinking we might need to get a couple more since it looks like the Stars might be able to make a run for the Stanley Cup this year. A feat I wasn't thinkign they would be able to do considering how awful they were last year.

I would like to say all of the improvments are due to my favorite player, Steve Ott. But after last night's game were he really wasn't much of a force on the ice, I don't think I could say that. Well, I could, but it would be a lie.

So, if any one out there has any conenctions to Steve out there, tell him to step up his game. He should have beaten Ovechikin after the way that twat was acting during the game and nothing. Come on Steve! Where's the guy we all used to love to hate?! Where's the fire? Where's your spirit? Do something out there! When we're at the game next Friday, I expect to see more from you.

And if not, I'll still be a loyal fan.

As it is, the Stars are second in the Western Conference. They're currently at 15(wins)-8(losses) -1(OT Loss). They have 31 points, following the Red Wings who lead the conference with 34.

Lets go Stars!!

Baseball season is almost over!!

Well, I guess I should mention something about the fact that the Texas Rangers are in the playoffs. This really doesn't mean much for me, considering I know nothing about baseball, but Austin and pretty much everyone else in Texas is excited about this. I have been able to gather that the Rangers are in the playoffs, something that has never happened before, And I also have come to realise that if the Rangers can win one more game against the Yankees they will get into the World Series.

Austin has had a couple people over to watch the games, and I try to watch them with no real luck in understanding the game. Whenever someone scores, my thought (and I do sometimes say it outloud to the amusement of everyone else) is "Hey they got a goal!". I did learn that this is the final round is called the "World Series" not the "Super Series". When I say its the "Super Series" people laugh and shake their heads at my limited knowledge of the world of sports... At least I'm trying... That counts for something, right? Oh well....

Anyways, the Rangers have never made it into the playoffs before and they might make it into the World Series (obviously something they have never done before). So yay for the Rangers! Fear the claw and antlers (or something like that).